MARTIN Paterson is scheduled to meet six clubs this week as he makes a final decision over his future – but the desire to play up front looks set to signal his Burnley exit.

Paterson is out of contract this summer and will hold further talks with the Clarets over their offer of a new deal, but it still remains likely that he will bring five years at Turf Moor to an end.

It is understood that the 26-year-old has a busy week scheduled and is due to speak to several clubs following his return from honeymoon.

Huddersfield, Birmingham, Charlton, Middlesbrough, Ipswich and League One club Wolves are all scheduled to hold discussions with Paterson as they try to persuade him to join them for the new season.

Burnley have still not given up hope of retaining the man who was once top scorer during the club’s promotion to the Premier League.

Paterson was asked to take a pay cut to remain at Turf Moor but it is thought that playing opportunities rather than finances are now the major factor in any decision.

The former Scunthorpe forward was often utilised in a wide role last season and is keen to secure regular football up front.

Whether Burnley boss Sean Dyche can offer Paterson that remains to be seen.

Paterson faced competition from Charlie Austin, Danny Ings and Sam Vokes last season.

Austin is likely to be sold this summer but the Clarets would still be expected to bring in another forward as a replacement.

Hull had been confident of sealing a deal for Austin last week but Burnley have been holding out for a higher fee.

The striker’s future remains unresolved as the squad prepare to return for the first day of pre-season today.

New keepers Tom Heaton and Alex Cisak will link up with their new team-mates for the first time.

But David Edgar is scheduled to represent Canada at the Gold Cup, which takes place in the United States next month.

Canada face Martinique in their first game in Oxnard, California, on July 7 before taking on Mexico in Seattle four days later.

Their final group match is against Panama in Denver on July 14 and they will hope to progress all the way to the final on July 28.

Burnley start their season only six days later at home to Bolton Wanderers on August 3.